Ceramic Gerz W Beer Stein Mug, Lid Covered, ORIGINAL GERZ W. GERMANY.

Ceramic Gerz W Beer Stein Mug, 1960, Lid Covered, Olympia Beer, TRADEMARK, GOODLUCK, TUMWATER and Trinken Wenn Dir's Schmecken Tut, which Translates, Drinking when It Tastes Good To you, Stamped, ORIGINAL GERZIT, GERZ W. GERMANY, 4. 

Steins originated in the 14th century. As a result of the bubonic plague and several invasions of flies in Europe, Germany established laws to require beverage containers to be covered for sanitary purposes. Around the same time, techniques to improve earthenware by raising the firing temperature of clay created stoneware. Thus, there was a presence of stoneware drinking vessels with attached pewter lids for the next 300 years. By the end of the 19th century, the stein was clearly defined as being made in Europe, primarily of stoneware and primarily with a permanently attached pewter lid. The history of steins includes the development and presentation of steins made with different materials. Pewter was the material of choice in some areas of Europe, especially England. Glass, porcelain and silver steins were introduced several hundred years ago. Many stein-decorating styles and techniques were developed over the centuries, offering further diversity to the stein. In recent times, the stein and tankard industry remained primarily represented by factories in Germany and England, where skilled craftsmen continue to create steins. However, during the 1980s, Ceramarte, of Brazil, became the largest producer of beer steins in the world.

Item Code - CER4F115OAC 

Width: 4"  Height: 9 7/8"  Depth: 5 7/8"  Weight: 950 g